This picture is a weed. By that, I mean that it is so prevalent everywhere that people consider it an unwanted weed. It has other names besides weed, devil's shoestring, hen plant, waybread, ribwort, Plantago major, Englishman's foot, white man's foot, etc.
Originally, the weed did not grow in the Americas. It came with the colonists. Imagine it growing wherever the colonists lived. Hence, it was thought of as a kind of white man's footprint.
Like many weeds, this ground-hugging, broadleaf plant has many benefits. It contains plant compounds that may reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and promote wound healing.
Plantain Tea
Pick some leaves that you are sure do not have pesticides on them.
Wash them.
Wash them.
Place them in a mug.
Pour boiling water over the leaves to the top of the mug.
Let the leaves infuse for 10 minutes.
Sweeten to taste with honey.
